Ashes 2013: Rain threatens fourth day play at The Oval Listen to live Test Match Special coverage Rain has disrupted play on the fourth day of the final Ashes Test between England and Australia at The Oval. There was heavy overnight rain and with it still falling on Saturday morning, and more forecast for later, the 11:00 BST start was delayed, with an early lunch to be taken at 12:30. “The chances of prolonged play are pretty slim, but some play is possible. It just depends on how long those dry spells are” Nick Miller BBC Weather England had reached 247-4 by the end of day three in reply to Australia's first innings total of 492-9 declared. The hosts lead the series 3-0 and have already secured the Ashes. The pitch, square and bowlers' run-ups are completely under cover and water is collecting on top. BBC Weather's Nick Miller told Test Match Special at 10:40 BST: "There could be a change as we head deeper into the afternoon and it might get brighter but even if we get a bright interlude we could get a thundery shower breaking out. "We are in a cloudy and light rain zone for the morning but bright spells will follow and then we could see heavy showers breaking out. "The chances of prolonged play are pretty slim, but some play is possible. It just depends on how long those dry spells are this afternoon. The Ashes 1st Test: England won by 14 runs, Trent Bridge 2nd Test: England won by 347 runs, Lord's 3rd Test: Match drawn, Old Trafford 4th Test: England won by 74 runs, Chester-le-Street 5th Test: 21-25 August, The Oval "Tomorrow is better, we might see a cloudy start with a few showers but by lunchtime we will get an improvement and we could well get a full day's play if we manage to dodge those morning showers." Ian Bell (29) and Chris Woakes (15) are the not-out batsmen overnight after England struggled to score quickly on day three. That conservative batting performance, coupled with the weather, has increased the likelihood of the game finishing as a draw, although England still need 46 more runs to avoid the follow-on.